Anime Undercover: the rules
Undercover is a bluffing game where every player gets a secret word, except the impostor, who gets a word that is close but different. Everyone gives a clue, then the group votes someone out. In Shobukan, every word comes from manga: 3 to 8 players, on one phone or online.
The three roles
Civilian
Most players. They all share the same word and must unmask the impostor without giving too much away.
Impostor
Has a word close to the civilians’ one. They don’t know they’re the impostor: they have to figure it out from the clues, then blend in.
Mister White
Gets no word at all. They must improvise a believable clue from what others said, without getting caught.
How a game works
- 1
Secret words
Each player sees their word in secret, by passing the phone around or on their own screen. Nobody knows which side they’re on, not even the impostor.
- 2
Clue round
In turn, everyone gives a clue about their word without saying it. Too precise and you help the impostor. Too vague and you look suspicious.
- 3
The vote
Everyone votes to eliminate a player. Their role is revealed, then a new round starts.
- 4
The end
Civilians win if they eliminate the impostors. Impostors win if they become as many as the civilians.
Anime word pair examples
A good pair is two words close enough to create doubt. Here are a few examples from the game:
| Civilian word | Impostor word | Universe |
|---|---|---|
| Jiraiya | Orochimaru | Naruto |
| Ninjutsu | Genjutsu | Naruto |
| Nami | Nico Robin | One Piece |
| Android 17 | Android 18 | Dragon Ball |
| Kame House | Capsule Corporation | Dragon Ball |
| All Might | Endeavor | My Hero Academia |
| Water Breathing | Thunder Breathing | Demon Slayer |
| Hisoka | Illumi Zoldyck | Hunter x Hunter |
| Light Yagami | Teru Mikami | Death Note |
| Yor Forger | Fiona Frost | Spy x Family |
The app has 300+ pairs across 18 universes, and you can create your own.
Three tips to win
Listen to the first clues before speaking: if you’re the impostor, that’s when you’ll realize it.
Give clues that work for both possible words: you stay believable whichever side you’re on.
Watch the player who echoes someone else’s idea: it’s often Mister White.
Undercover FAQ
How many players do you need for Undercover?
In Shobukan, Undercover is played with 3 to 8 players, on one phone passed around or online, each on their own phone.
Does the impostor know they are the impostor?
No. The impostor just gets a word, close to everyone else’s. They have to work out they’re on the other side by listening to the clues.
Who is Mister White?
Mister White is a player who gets no word. They must improvise believable clues from what the other players say.
Can you play anime Undercover offline?
Yes. In local mode, on a single phone, the game works without a connection.
Play anime Undercover in Shobukan
Shobukan deals the words and handles roles, votes and eliminations. All you have to do is talk. Free on iPhone and Android.
Free · iPhone & Android · English and French
